Manila, Philippines (Agencies): The U.S. Army has deployed and tested a high-power microwave weapon for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region, as part of the Balikatan 2025 joint military drills with the Philippines. The exercise, which began on April 21 and runs until May 9, marks the largest-ever military collaboration between the two nations, with thousands of U.S. troops, vehicles, and weapons systems arriving in the Philippines.
During the drills, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) training took place on April 27 at the Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in Zambales. The Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) was deployed to counter aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
However, the most significant development was the first-ever deployment of the Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Powered Microwave (IFPC-HPM) weapon in the region. The 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) tested the IFPC-HPM alongside the Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) on April 28.
The IFPC-HPM is a Directed Energy (DE) weapon designed to disable or destroy drone swarms by emitting microwave energy, disrupting their electronics. This technology provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional kinetic defense systems, which require expensive munitions.
The U.S. Army emphasized that testing the IFPC-HPM in a tropical environment was a strategic move to enhance joint military cooperation and strengthen Indo-Pacific security. The deployment coincides with escalating tensions with China, particularly in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes have intensified.
With China advancing its drone and missile capabilities, the U.S.-Philippines alliance is reinforcing its defenses through cutting-edge counter-drone systems. The Balikatan 2025 drills highlight the growing military cooperation between the two nations, as they prepare for potential regional challenges.